Kent Thrash Middlesex by 98 Runs in Vitality Blast Opener

Kent's Vitality Blast campaign got off to a flying start as they thrashed Middlesex by 98 runs at Chelmsford, thanks to a brilliant performance from Matt Parkinson.

Parkinson, who joined Kent from Lancashire over the winter, claimed a hat-trick in his third over, dismissing Jack Davies, Tom Helm, and Henry Brookes in quick succession. His figures of 4 for 25 proved to be the catalyst for Middlesex's collapse, as they were bowled out for a paltry 107, well short of their target of 206.

Earlier, Joe Denly had anchored Kent's innings with a well-paced 56 off 33 balls, including two sixes and seven fours. Daniel Bell-Drummond, who has been a thorn in Middlesex's side in recent years, provided good support with 38.

Luke Hollman and Blake Cullen shared six wickets for Middlesex, but their efforts proved to be in vain as Kent's total proved to be too much for the hosts.

Middlesex's chase got off to a poor start as they lost Leus du Plooy for 11, bowled by Grant Stewart. Ryan Higgins and Stephen Eskinazi also departed cheaply, leaving Middlesex in a precarious position at 49 for 4.

Max Holden, who had scored a century in the same fixture last season, failed to repeat his heroics, falling for 12 to the spin of Marcus O'Riordan. Joe Cracknell, batting at an unfamiliar position of No. 6, was bowled by Parkinson, and Davies' brief resistance was ended by Parkinson's hat-trick.

Parkinson's heroics capped off a dominant performance from Kent, who will be hoping to build on this victory as they look to challenge for the Vitality Blast title this season.

Tags: #Kent, #Middlesex, #VitalityBlast, #MattParkinson, #JoeDenly